Sen. Yee's lawyer questions FBI investigation

The Associated Press , KXTV12:38 PM. PDT March 31, 2014

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 08: California State senator and San Francisco mayoral candidate Leland Yee greets commuters as he campaigns in a MUNI station on November 8, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)(Photo: Justin Sullivan Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A lawyer for a California state senator charged with bribery and gun trafficking has questioned the three-year FBI investigation that led to the arrest.

Sen. Leland Yee's attorney Paul DeMeester on Monday asked why it took until Wednesday for the FBI to file charges when it appeared the investigation of his client began in 2011. DeMeester in particular questioned why the FBI appeared to shift the focus of its probe from a cash-for-influence case to an investigation of alleged connections to international arms dealers.

Yee hasn't entered a plea yet and DeMeester previously said the senator plans to plead not guilty.

Yee appeared briefly in court Monday to discuss details of his release before trial. His next court date is April 8.